Awesome 3 or 4 nighter if you want to be able to relax and fish. first day is tough but then it's pretty easy sailing for the most part. We caught over a dozen trout during the trip nothing like supplemental food while packing. Definitely do the side trips. Sweet views. Saw 5 moose. All by lakes.

Great loop. The Aspen trees are just beginning to change color. Beautiful alpine lakes. The trail was snow covered at the very highest elevation around the Rawah lakes but still easily passable. Definitely a moose haven.

This is one of my favorite backpack trails in Colorado. Rugged peaks, alpine lakes, wildflowers, moose, and other wildlife. On top of that, there aren't a lot of people after you get past the range that day hikers are likely to get to. It seems like only backpackers will be in the Rawah Lakes area, so I camped just North of Rawah Lake #2, which I think had about the most beautiful views. Unfortunately, it seemed like some weren't in agreement with the leave no trace thought process. The South portion of the loop had a lot of trees down across the trail, but the North portion was mostly unblocked by trees. The North part of the loop was muddy and boggy, like usual; it's also where the moose like to hang out. I saw 8-9 this trip, but I saw 6-7 on one morning at Camp Lake the last trip.

I skipped Twin Crater Lakes so I could spend two nights at Rawah Lake #2 and went up South Rawah Peak #2 after the first night. It was strenuous and there was no trail, but I would recommend it. The views are great, especially looking South.

Awesome hike! We started Friday afternoon and finished Sunday morning. Gorgeous wildflowers, alpine meadows, and glacial lakes. Definitely one of the most beautiful hikes I've ever been on. It was pretty soggy in some places (late July) and there are a few tedious river crossings, but it definitely added to the adventure

Loved it! We branched off to the Rawah Trail and then then Twin Crater Lakes. We went at the end of June and there was still a lot of snow up by Crater lakes. On West Branch Trail you have to cross the river. I really wish I would have had my Tevas!!

the first several miles are pretty steep then it levels out à bit with many miles of stunning alpine lakes stand and summiting opportunities perfect for camping and hiking and the are tons of brookies in the crystal clear streams. there are large trout in the pond and lakes

I backpacked a ~20 mile loop that connects the West Branch Trail to the Rawah Trailhead. Highly recommended for the route's excellent scenery, 10+ lakes along the trail, and a good summit about halfway through. This hike can be looped in either direction, and completed in 1-2 nights, or as a long day hike. Begin at the Tunnel Campground at Roosevelt National Forrest just outside of Fort Collins down Poudre Canyon.

Most of the trail is in a valley. Did see some wildlife and few campers. I tried fly fishing some of the alpine lakes at the top, but to no avail. Would like to get back to try some of the connecting trails.